Assessing the Potential of an Enzymatically Liberated Salmon Oil to Support Immune Health Recovery from Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection via Change in the Expression of Cytokine, Chemokine and Interferon-Related Genes.
- 2024-06-24
- International journal of molecular sciences 25(13)
- Crawford Currie
- Tor Åge Myklebust
- Christian Bjerknes
- Bomi Framroze
- PubMed: 39000027
- DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136917
Study Design
- Type
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- Population
- 11 adults with mild to moderate COVID-19
- Methods
- Eleven subjects were randomized to best supportive care (BSC) with or without a full spectrum, enzymatically liberated SO, dosed at 4g daily, for twenty-eight days. Nasal swabs were taken to measure the change in gene expression of markers of immune response.
- Duration
- 28 days
- Funding
- Unclear
- Rigorous Journal
Cytokines, chemokines, and interferons are released in response to viral infection with the ultimate aim of viral clearance. However, in SARS-CoV-2 infection, there is an imbalanced immune response, with raised cytokine levels but only a limited interferon response with inefficient viral clearance. Furthermore, the inflammatory response can be exaggerated, which risks both acute and chronic sequelae. Several observational studies have suggested a reduced risk of progression to severe COVID-19 in subjects with a higher omega-3 index. However, randomized studies of omega-3 supplementation have failed to replicate this benefit. Omega-3 fats provide important anti-inflammatory effects; however, fatty fish contains many other fatty acids that provide health benefits distinct from omega-3. Therefore, the immune health benefit of whole salmon oil (SO) was assessed in adults with mild to moderate COVID-19. Eleven subjects were randomized to best supportive care (BSC) with or without a full spectrum, enzymatically liberated SO, dosed at 4g daily, for twenty-eight days. Nasal swabs were taken to measure the change in gene expression of markers of immune response and showed that the SO provided both broad inflammation-resolving effects and improved interferon response. The results also suggest improved lung barrier function and enhanced immune memory, although the clinical relevance needs to be assessed in longer-duration studies. In conclusion, the salmon oil was well tolerated and provided broad inflammation-resolving effects, indicating a potential to enhance immune health.
Research Insights
The results also suggest improved lung barrier function and enhanced immune memory, although the clinical relevance needs to be assessed in longer-duration studies
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Small
- Dose
- 4g daily
the SO provided both broad inflammation-resolving effects and improved interferon response
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate
- Dose
- 4g daily
The results also suggest improved lung barrier function and enhanced immune memory, although the clinical relevance needs to be assessed in longer-duration studies
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Small
- Dose
- 4g daily
the SO provided both broad inflammation-resolving effects and improved interferon response
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate
- Dose
- 4g daily
Adverse Events Reported
the salmon oil was well tolerated
- Finding
- Reported